Assistant Director

Role: Assistant Director

Location: Hackham, Adelaide SA 5163

Centre: Goodstart Onkaparinga Rise

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $40.65 - $66.09 p/h (Depending on qualification & experience) + Super

Use your experience in early learning and work alongside our Centre Director to support our centre and team

Competitive pay at least 7% above award + a range of benefits including childcare discount + salary packaging available

Work for Australia’s largest early learning Not-for-Profit

Are you an experienced early learning professional eager to advance your career, sharpen your leadership skills, and contribute to building a thriving business? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

As the Assistant Director at Goodstart Onkaparinga Rise, you'll leverage your expertise and leadership to inspire and motivate your centre team, driving continuous improvement across all areas of centre operations. Collaborate with our dedicated leadership team, forge respectful and reciprocal relationships with families, and actively engage with the local community networks.

In this role, you will:

Support the Centre Director in the leadership of the team to provide high-quality early learning and care

Mentor and build capabilities within the centre team

Be responsible for the overall management of the centre in the Centre Director’s absence

Use and implement the Goodstart Practice Guide

About Goodstart Onkaparinga Rise

Are you a passionate early childhood leader ready to make a meaningful contribution across all age groups? We’re seeking a dynamic Assistant Director for our well-established 65-place centre in Goodstart Onkaparinga Rise, offering a unique opportunity to support and uplift our team in a floating position.

Step into a flexible, hands-on leadership role, supporting educators across all rooms — from Nursery to Kindergarten — and helping to ensure consistent, high-quality care and learning for every child.

Work full-time within centre operating hours, Monday to Friday, 6:30am – 6:30pm.

Join a centre with a strong reputation, 83.4% occupancy year to date, and proudly rated Meeting National Quality Standard.

Located on Penney’s Hill Road, just off Main South Road — close to schools, shops, and public transport, making daily routines easier for families and staff.

Enjoy a fantastic opportunity to apply and grow your leadership skills, supporting day-to-day operations, team development, and quality improvement.

Collaborate with an experienced and passionate Centre Director, who has worked in the sector since 2003 and is deeply committed to delivering high-quality care, championing professional development, and building strong, passionate teams of educators.

What Goodstart can offer you:

Receive at least 7% above the award rate

Up to 50% discount off your childcare gap fees and up to 6 weeks paid parental leave

Fitness Passport - access to gyms and pools for you and your family at a heavily discounted price

Tax benefits through salary packaging

Paid professional development

️ Two wellbeing days included in your personal leave per year

️Free annual flu shot (optional)

️ Option to purchase extra leave for even greater work life balance

First Nations Support and Cultural Leave

Retail and childcare discounts on insurance, travel and technology

Uniform allowance and employee referral program

If you have previous experience as an Assistant Director or in a centre leadership position, or similar, then we’d love to talk to you about which of our amazing opportunities would be the best fit for you.

You’ll need:

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) or a Diploma in Early Childhood (or ACECQA approved equivalent)

Strong knowledge of the Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Standards

Current SA Working with Children Check

Willing to undergo a Police Check

How to apply

Click ‘Apply Now’ and submit your application.

We review applications as they are submitted. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible for your best chance to progress to the next stage of the process. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for all positions.

Have a question? Contact Salena from our Talent Acquisition Team on or via email

Supporting our people and protecting our children

We’re an equal opportunity employer that is proud of our inclusive and diverse work environment. We know that Goodstarters from diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences strengthen our teams and help us grow. We’re also deeply committed to Reconciliation and creating an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People feel a strong sense of belonging and connection.

Safety is our priority and we will take any action necessary to ensure that all children can feel safe and be safe, and are safeguarded from abuse, neglect and harm. As a Child Safe Organisation, all of our candidates must have or obtain a valid working with children check.

#gsassistantdirector